South African Journal of Surgery
Journal / South African Journal of Surgery / Vol. 43 No. 2 (2005) / Articles

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Published:

Nov 21, 2005

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 2 (2005)

Section

Articles

Material submitted for publication in the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. Copyright forms will be sent with acknowledgement of receipt and the SAMJ reserves copyright of the material published. The SAMJ does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.

TC Hardcastle

Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa

DF Du Toit

Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa

C Malherbe

Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa

GN Coetzee

Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa

M Hoogerboord

Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa

BK Warren

Department of Surgery and Section of Trauma, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, W Cape, South Africa

CC Modin

Department of General Surgery, Danderyds Hospital, Stockholm, and Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Abstract

Objective: To review blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) in our institution.

Method: Retrospective review of blunt abdominal trauma cases over a 6-month period.

Results: Four patients with TAWH were identified. The mean age was 36 years. Three had been involved in vehicular collisions, and 1 had been assaulted with a large stone. All were diagnosed on presentation, 3 by computed tomography scan and 1 clinically. Two were repaired as emergencies, and 1 was repaired after 4 months. The 4th patient refused surgery.

Conclusion: This uncommon injury requires a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for intervention. CT scan offers the best imaging potential.

South African Journal of Surgery Vol. 93(2) 2005: 41-43

Journal Identifiers

eISSN: 2078-5151
print ISSN: 0038-2361